Kitty, who was recently elected as the lead visionary for the world’s “Welcome 2011 Initiative” inspired me to reflect on what I said this time last year. So I back peddled it through some old archives around here and much to my dismay, I had said nothing inspiring at all. My goals were playground. They were nonsense, really.

Kitty talked about being helpless and feeling amateur about a craft that she is so passionate about. She talked about the struggle to find confidence in herself, and the struggle to understand that what she was doing was worth it.

I know, and all of Kitty’s friends know, that she’s amazingly talented. But we all lose our place sometimes and feel weak. I think what I admired most about her post was her honesty. She’s sitting there, on the other side of this planet, facing her challenges and planting her stake in the ground to tackle each and every one.

I’ve spent the past week off fortified in my bed surrounded by junk food and The West Wing. I’ve also spent the past week preparing myself mentally for what I’m sure will be a challenging year ahead at work. I like challenges, but I’m also fearful of every challenge that has come across my plate. I think I’m ready. I mean, I know I’m ready, but how much can you really know?

All I want to say is that 2011 is another year to try it all over again. To better last year and to be ready to face challenges that will trip us, get our clothes muddy and push us to keep going.

Kitty your words, even if you say you aren’t eloquent with them, really struck a chord with me. Thank you.

1. Clean up my desk at work. That mess is a place
2. Re-ignite this gym thing. It’s been a month
3. Sleep earlier (yeah, okay)
4. Suit up more often (this one’s not so hard)
5. Finish The West Wing marathon I’ve been having (just tapped season 4)
6. Eat better (eh…)
7. Cut down on those cigarettes, seriously